Manly Mayor comes out in defence of Sea Eagles

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Manly Mayor Jean Hay has claimed that the Sea Eagles are being ‘ripped off’ by Warringah Council in relation to their usage of Brookvale Oval.

Mayor Hay spoke out in support of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles following recent comments from Warringah Mayor Michael Regan.

Regan claimed that the Sea Eagles were ripping off rate payers by the Club’s decision to refuse to pay exorbitant hire fees for Brookvale Oval usage.

“The Sea Eagles provide an enormous benefit to the local community and their presence on the northern beaches is essential moving forward,” said Mayor Hay.

“Warringah Council are effectively forcing them out of the area by holding them to ransom over the usage of Brookvale Oval whilst openly favouring rival professional sporting codes usage of the same facility.

“Warringah Council have also failed in ensuring the ground was upgraded to that of a modern standard. This would ensure that all members of the local community had a facility to proudly call the home of the Sea Eagles.”

Mayor Hay went on to state that Manly Oval is hired for seven months by cricket for approximately $25,000 and the relocated professional rugby union franchise that used to utilise Brookvale Oval for $20,000 over 5 months. Mayor Hay indicated that a hiring fee of this amount was more reflective of the Sea Eagles investment and presence in the local community.

“The way the Sea Eagles have been treated by Warringah Council is nothing short of disgraceful. Quite frankly they are being ripped off,” she said.

“I feel that Warringah Council are using the Sea Eagles as a cash cow.”